Abstract: A glyde-rail apparatus removably attached to a carrier such as an excavator to enable the excavator to mount and demount at any point along a railroad track and to travel along the railroad track without damaging the railroad track. A non-metallic cover attaches to the track of the excavator. A front swing arm assembly and a back swing arm assembly attach to ends of the excavator. A first pair of hydraulic cylinders on the front swing arm assembly and a second pair of hydraulic cylinders on the back swing arm assembly enable rail wheels to be raised or lowered. An operator of the carrier controls the raising and lowering of the front swing arm assembly and the back swing arm assembly from within a cab of the carrier by a combination of hydraulic controls in the carrier and the glyde-rail apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods for performing agricultural transactions involving the exchange of inputs, such as agricultural equipment, non-equipment agricultural inputs, and non-agricultural inputs, in consideration of a commitment to deliver a specified quantity of an agricultural commodity over a specified period of time. In consideration of the commitment and, in some cases, a payment, the agricultural producer receives the inputs. In effect, the payment may result in a substantial discount of the price that the agricultural producer would otherwise pay for the inputs. The methods also may be applicable to exchange of non-agricultural commodities.

Abstract: A method for transacting exchanges of agricultural products involves observing the price of an agricultural product at observation points over a period of time. In one embodiment, a maximum price is specified. For each of the observation points, the maximum price is selected when the observed price is greater than the maximum price, and the observed price is selected when the observed price is less than the maximum price. A price is calculated for a quantity of the agricultural product based on the average of the selected prices and a premium. Individual contracts can be aggregated to reach more acceptable trading quantities and intervals, enabling participation of a derivative hedging products service provider and intermediate parties such as elevators and elevator services companies. Aggregation can be carried out manually or automatically, and configured to support anonymity of various parties in the transaction chain.

Abstract: A method for transacting transfers of commodities involves observing the price of a commodity at several observation points over a period of time. In one embodiment, a maximum price is specified. For each observation point, the maximum price is selected in the event the observed price is greater than the maximum price, or the observed price is selected in the event the observed price is less than the maximum price. The price for a quantity of the commodity then is calculated based on the average of the selected prices and a premium. Individual contracts can be aggregated to reach more acceptable trading quantities and intervals, enabling participation of a derivative hedging products service provider and intermediate parties such as resellers and reseller services companies. Aggregation can be carried out manually or automatically, and configured to support anonymity of various parties in the transaction chain.

Abstract: The invention is directed to business methods involving inputs used to produce an agricultural product. In exchange for a promise to pay a package price to a “provider,” the agricultural producer receives inputs for producing the agricultural product, a performance guarantee in the event of input performance failure, and protection against a falling market price for the agricultural product during the growing season. The agricultural producer may also receive a deferred payment benefit, plus additional services.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an agricultural producer agrees to sell, price and deliver a quantity of an agricultural product to a buyer at a future date. The agricultural producer further agrees to price the quantity at an agreed-upon maximum price in the event the market price is equal to or above the maximum price on a target date. In the event the market price is below the maximum price on the target date, however, the agricultural producer may elect to defer pricing and/or delivery of the quantity beyond the target date, to try to take advantage of market conditions after the target date. In any event, the agricultural producer must price the quantity of agricultural product before a fixed final pricing date and must deliver the quantity of agricultural product before a fixed final delivery date.

Abstract: A method for transacting exchanges of agricultural products involves observing the price of an agricultural product at observation points over a period of time. In one embodiment, a maximum price is specified. For each of the observation points, the maximum price is selected when the observed price is greater than the maximum price, and the observed price is selected when the observed price is less than the maximum price. A price is calculated for a quantity of the agricultural product based on the average of the selected prices and a premium. Individual contracts can be aggregated to reach more acceptable trading quantities and intervals, enabling participation of a derivative hedging products service provider and intermediate parties such as elevators and elevator services companies. Aggregation can be carried out manually or automatically, and configured to support anonymity of various parties in the transaction chain.

Abstract: A method for transacting transfers of commodities involves observing the price of a commodity at several observation points over a period of time. In one embodiment, a maximum price is specified. For each observation point, the maximum price is selected in the event the observed price is greater than the maximum price, or the observed price is selected in the event the observed price is less than the maximum price. The price for a quantity of the commodity then is calculated based on the average of the selected prices and a premium. Individual contracts can be aggregated to reach more acceptable trading quantities and intervals, enabling participation of a derivative hedging products service provider and intermediate parties such as resellers and reseller services companies. Aggregation can be carried out manually or automatically, and configured to support anonymity of various parties in the transaction chain.

Abstract: A method for transacting transfers of commodities includes setting a first price for a first quantity of a commodity based on an average price observed during a period of time and either a premium or discount to the average price. A second price is set for a second quantity of a commodity based on a price determined at a future date. The second price does not exceed a maximum price in the event a premium applies to the first quantity, or a minimum price in the event a discount applies to the first quantity. The first quantity and the second quantity are delivered from a seller to a buyer, and the seller is paid a sum based on the first price, the premium or discount, as applicable, and the second price.

Abstract: A method for transacting exchanges of agricultural products, such as crop output, livestock, and animal produce, includes setting a first price for a first quantity of agricultural product based on an average price observed during a period of time and either a premium or discount to the average price. A second price is set for a second quantity of an agricultural product based on a price determined at a future date. The second price does not exceed a maximum price in the event a premium applies to the first quantity, or a minimum price in the event a discount applies to the first quantity. The first quantity and the second quantity are delivered from a seller to a buyer, and the seller is paid a sum based on the first price, the premium or discount, as applicable, and the second price.

Abstract: A method for transacting exchanges of agricultural products provides an agricultural producer with a guaranteed level of revenue. With guaranteed revenue, the producer greatly reduces the risks associated with the agriculture business, and obtains both yield and price protection. In exchange for the guaranteed level of revenue, the producer agrees to several conditions designed to provide value to the guarantor and reduce the guarantor's risk. In this manner, the guarantor and producer both benefit from practice of the method. The producer may agree to deliver all or a portion of its output, for example, to an outlet specified by the guarantor. In addition, the producer may agree to purchase all or a portion of its agricultural inputs, e.g., seeds, fertilizer, and agricultural chemicals, from a source specified by the guarantor. The producer also may agree to a number of producing conditions designed to maximize yield and marketability, such as the use of particular hybrids and pesticides.